Illustration: Isuzu Giga truck with “New Five Star Giga” text. Source: Isuzu
Isuzu has taken the development of autonomous vehicles seriously: according to Nikkei Asia, the company could launch self-driving trucks on Japanese roads by 2027.
What is known?
Isuzu is cooperating with the American startup Applied Intuition, which specializes in developing software for autonomous vehicles. Isuzu President Shinsuke Minami has confirmed that the company intends to integrate Level 4 autonomous driving systems into its Giga Prime series tractors. In the early stages, these trucks will be used to transport goods between warehouses on fixed routes in Japan.
Isuzu Giga: illustrative image. source: Isuzu
SAE Level 4 means the vehicle can drive autonomously in most conditions. However, the driver’s presence is still required to intervene if necessary.
Buses are also in the plans
In addition to trucks, Isuzu, in cooperation with the Japanese company Tier IV, is developing buses with a similar level of autonomy. These vehicles are scheduled to be tested at Fukuoka Airport and in some areas of greater Tokyo.
According to Minami, if self-driving transportation is successfully implemented, this area could become an important source of income for the company.
source: Nikki Asia
